FBF: Shrimp Scampi

FLASH-BACK FRIDAY

SHRIMP SCAMPI

click on image to see full post from 8/9/2012

FBF: Shrimp w/ Cocktail Sauce

FLASH-BACK FRIDAY

SHRIMP WITH COCKTAIL SAUCE

click on image to see full post from 8/2/2012

FBF: Purple Mashed Potatoes

FLASH-BACK FRIDAY

PURPLE MASHED POTATOES

click on image to see full post from 7/26/2012

Berry Rhubarb Maple Crunch [P]

recipe from Paleo Parents

BERRY RHUBARB MAPLE CRUNCH

Filling:

1 tbsp coconut oil
2 cups diced rhubarb, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 cups strawberries
2 cups blackberries
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp powdered ginger
1/2 cup maple syrup

Topping:
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup pecans
Dash of sea salt
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbsp maple syrup

• Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with coconut oil.
• Mix all the fillings, including the remaining coconut oil, and place in the slow cooker.
• Cook on high for 2 hours or until fruit is tender.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
• Mix all the toppings, stir to incorporate. The mixture should resemble crumbles.
• Spread the crumbles over the top of the filling and place stoneware of slow cooker into the oven for 15 to 20 minutes until top is crisp. If your stoneware is not oven-safe, transfer to an over-safe dish.
• Let rest for 5 minutes then serve from the slow cooker stoneware.

recipe from Paleo Parents

FBF: Caprese-Style Grilled Chicken

FLASH-BACK FRIDAY

CAPRESE-STYLE GRILLED CHICKEN

click on image to see full post from 7/19/2012

Mango Shrimp Cocktail [P]

This recipe is derrived from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

MANGO SHRIMP COCKTAIL

2 lbs shrimp
2 cups mango, skins peeled and diced
1/2 tsp garlic, minced
1-2 tsp fresh horseradish, minced or grated
1 Tblsp apple cider vinegar
1 Tblsp extra-virgin olive oil

• Peel, devein, and then steam the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes if fresh, 3-5 minutes if frozen. Note: you can either devein fresh shrimp before or after cooking. If they are frozen, you will need to cook them first. set the cooked shrimp aside and allow them to chill before serving.
• Combine the mango, garlic and horseradish, vinegar, and EVOO in food processor, and pulse until smooth.
• Serve chilled.

This recipe is derrived from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

Wordless Wednesday {linky}

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY {LINKY}

Here is one of the recent foster kittens I have. They are 4 weeks old now. =) I love redheads! What do you think of the names? LOL Anyone want a drink?

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Spaghetti Squash Bolognese [P]

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

SPAGHETTI SQUASH BOLOGNESE

1 spaghetti squash
sea salt & black pepper to taste
2 Tblsp grass-fed butter
1 onion, finely diced
1 carrot, finely diced
1 stalk of celery, finely diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 lb ground veal or beef
1/2 lb ground pork
4 slices bacon, chopped
1.2 cup full-fat coconut milk
3 ounces tomato paste
1.2 cup dry white wine (optional)
sea salt & black pepper to taste

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise so that two shallow halves remain. Scoop out the seeds and inner portion of the squash, and then sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Place both halves face down on a making sheet. Roast for 35-45 minutes -- until the flesh of the squash becomes translucent in color and the skin being to soften and easily separate from the "noodles" that make up the inside.
• Allow the squash to cool enough so that you can handle it, and then scoop the flesh out from the inside of the skin into a large serving bowl. Set aside until the sauce is finished.
• While the squash bakes: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter, and saute the onions, carrots and celery until the become translucent, Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
• add the ground ceal, pork and bacon and cook until browned through. Once the meat is done, add the coconut milk, tomato paste, and white wine, and simmer over medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes or until the sauce is well combined and any alcohol is cooked out.
• Add sea salt and black pepper to taste before removing the sauce from the heat.
• serve over the roasted spaghetti squash.

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

FBF: Chicken Skewers w/ Blackberry Sauce

FLASH-BACK FRIDAY

CHICKEN SKEWERS

with BLACKBERRY SAUCE

click on image to see full post from 7/10/2012

Wordless Wednesday {w/linky}

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

So I took a month-ish off from blogging....family vacations and whatnot...but I'm back! I have a ton of recipes to post and I just need to plug them in. In the meantime, have a great week!

BLUEBERRY PICKING

We collected over 8 GALLONS of blueberries! Expect a few blueberry recipes! LOL

BEACH TRIP (GULF SHORES)

   

It was a blast!! Now back to reality....

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Mashed Faux-Tatoes [P]

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

MASHED FAUX-TATOES

1 head cauliflower (about 4 cups)
4 Tblsp butter or coconut oil
1/2 tsp Herb Salt Blend [2 parts herbs, 1 part sea salt....I used parsley]
Black pepper to taste

• Chop the cauliflower into roughly 2-3 inch pieces
• Steam the cauliflower until it is fork tender. [I have found putting them in a large glass bowl with about 1/2 cup water and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave for about 10-12 minutes. Drain them really well!]
• Place cooked cauliflower in a food processor. Add the butter and herb blend and black pepper.
• Puree until smooth and creamy.

TSB: Strawberry Chicken Salad

This month's Challenge for "The Salad Bar" was to use berries! I made this salad 2 years ago, and just remade it again this past week. Its delish and a keeper. I love my picture from it, so I just used it again.

STRAWBERRY CHICKEN SALAD

2 boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts

1 tablespoon Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper, to taste 

6-8 cups chopped Romaine Lettuce

1 cup Strawberries, sliced

1/4 cup sliced Almonds

1 cup Poppyseed dressing

1/2 cup light Raspberry Vinaigrette

• Start by brushing oil on chicken breasts and then season with salt and pepper. Grill chicken on your barbecue or indoor grill pan. Grill for 5 minutes on each side, or until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Set aside.
• On two plates, add the romaine lettuce, sliced strawberries and almonds. Slice your grilled chicken and place on top.
• Mix together the poppyseed dressing and raspberry vinaigrette together. Pour over the salad and dig in!

Visit and check out the other salads for the month!

Thanksgiving Stuffing Meatballs [P]

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

THANKSGIVING STUFFING MEATBALLS

2 lb ground pork

2 Tblsp Spice blend [1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/2 Tblsp ground fennel seeds, 1/2 Tblsp ground sage, 1/2 Tblsp garlic powder, 1/2 Tblsp onion powder, 1/8 tsp white pepper, 1 tsp dried parsley]

2 tsp coconut oil

1/4 cup onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup celery, finely chopper

1/4 cup carrot, grated or shredded

1/4 cup walnuts, finely chopped

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the pork and spice blends until the spices are well incorporated evenly throughout the meat.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the oil. Place the onions, celery, and carrots in the pan, and saute until the onions and celery appear translucent. Add walnuts and cook for another 2 minutes.
• Set the onion mix aside to cool until you can touch it comfortably  Then, combine the mixture with the meat, and form the pork into 24 meatballs.
• Place the meatballs in an oven-safe dish or baking sheet and back approximately 25-35 minutes or until cooked all the way through.

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

FBF: Romaine Salad with Avocado

FLASH BACK FRIDAY

ROMAINE SALAD WITH AVOCADO

click on image to see full post from 6/2/11

Chocolate Coconut Cookies [P]

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

CHOCOLATE COCONUT COOKIES

2 eggs
2 Tblsp butter, melted and cooled
2 Tblsp maple syrup (or more for sweeter cookies)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup shredded coconut
2 Tblsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 pinch baking soda
1/4 cup sliced almonds [I used mini dark chocolate chips instead]

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the eggs, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla. 
• Mix in unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and shredded coconut until well combined. 
• Fold in the almonds, if desired. [or dark chocolate chips]
• Divide into 12 dollops [I used the small ice-cream scoop from Pampered Chef, you get a lot more than 12 cookies!] on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet, and flatten them with a fork. 
• Bake for 20-30 minutes or until slightly firm to the touch.

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

Lamb Lettuce Boats with Avo-Ziki Sauce [P]

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo
LAMB LETTUCE BOATS
with AVO-ZIKI SAUCE

1lb lamb stew meat
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 tsp dried or fresh oregano
1 Tblsp coconut oil, melted
4-6 large romaine lettuce leaves, cleaned [I used my romaine from my garden!]
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cucumber, finely diced
1 lemon, cut in half

• In a small mixing bowl, season the lamb with the sea salt, black pepper, and oregano. 
• In a skillet over med-high heat, melt the coconut oil, and then place the lamb pieces in the pan. Cook the lamb approximately 2-3 minutes or until it is browned on one side, and flip to brown on the other side for another 2 minutes or so.
• Once the meat is cooked, chop it into 1/2 inch pieces.
• Place the romaine lettuce leaves onto serving plates and top with the chopped lamb, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. 
• Squeeze lemon over each lettuce boat, then top with the Avo-Ziki Sauce.

AVO-ZIKI SAUCE

1 ripe avocado
1/4 cup grated cucumber
1 small garlic clove, grated
Juice of 1 lemon
2 Tblsp EVOO
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
1 tsp fresh dill, finely chopped

• Combine all ingredients in a small food processor or with a hand blender.

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

Happy Memorial Day!

Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts get the opportunity every year to place flags at the headstones at the Post Cemetery. What a sobering moment to see those who gave ALL to this country!

  

I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful weekend!

FBF: Polynesian Sausage Kabobs

FLASH BACK FRIDAY

POLYNESIAN SAUSAGE KABOBS

click on image to see full post from 5/24/11

Balsamic Braised Short Ribs SLOW-COOKER [P]

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

SLOW-COOKER
BALSAMIC BRAISED SHORT RIBS

2 Tblsp Savory Spice Blend [2 T Rosemary, 1/2 T Sea Salt, 1 T Garlic Powder, 1 T Onion Powder, 1/2 T Paprika, 1 tsp Black Pepper]
2-3 lbs of bone-in beef short ribs
1 Tblsp coconut oil
1 15-oz can plain tomato sauce
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
4 whole dried dates
6 cloves garlic, smashed

• Rub the Spice Blend into the short ribs.
• Melt the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the short ribs 1-2 min per side or until they are slightly browned.
• Place the short ribs, tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, dates, and garlic in a slow-cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the meat is tender enough to fall apart with a fork.
• Shred the meat off the bones and serve while warm.

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

Candied Carrots [P]

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

CANDIED CARROTS

8 large carrots, peeled and chopped into 1/2 inch pieces

4 dates, pitted and chopped

2 Tblsp melted coconut oil

Sea salt to taste

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Place the carrots and dates into an over-safe dish, and top with the melted coconut oil. Toss to coat, and sprinkle with sea salt to taste.
• Bake for approx. 20-30 minutes or until the carrots are fork-tender.

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

Pesto Shrimp & Squash Fettuccine [P]

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

PESTO SHRIMP & SQUASH FETTUCCINE

2 dozen large shrimp
4 zucchini or yellow squash [I used 7 zucchini for family of 4]
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Pesto:
1/2 cup macadamia nuts
1 bunch cilantro, rinsed
1 clove garlic
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

• Make the pesto first. Combine the macadamia nuts, cilantro, garlic, EVOO, sea salt and pepper in a food processor, and blend until smooth.
• Peel and devein the shrimp.
• Place a steamer basket in a large sauce pot, and boil about an inch of water. While the water is heating, run a julienne or regular vegetable peeler along each of the squash until you reach the venter, seedy part. Steam the squash for about 3-5 minutes Set the steamed squash "noodles" aside.
• Steam the shrimp for approximately 3 minutes or until they're pink all the way through.
• Place the steamed squash into a mixing bowl with the pesto and toss until well combined.
• Top the noodles with the shrimp and serve warm.

This recipe is directly from Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo

FBF: Orange Jam

FLASH BACK FRIDAY

ORANGE JAM

click on image to see full post from 5/18/11

Wordless Wednesday {linky}

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Well, some exciting news! Precious has pulled through and is doing amazing! She's getting along with the rest of the litter and eating like a champ. It makes me so happy! Now to find her a forever-home to go to in a few weeks!

And a few of the rest of the litter....

Basil & Tarragon

Rosemary

  

Tarragon (sleeping!)

Also got my hair done...its a Red-headed Ombre'!

  

(Feel free to PIN IT!)

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FBF: Italian Chicken & Corn Kabobs

FLASH-BACK FRIDAY

ITALIAN CHICKEN & CORN KABOBS

click on image to see full post from 5/10/12

Wordless Wednesday {linky}

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Not had much "picture worthy" events this week. I have made the "official" announcement that my blog is going Paleo! Spread the word!

And then there is this little girl. I'm calling her "precious." She was found in the Motorpool (army term for military vehicle parking lot...kinda) all by herself. She was so weak, she couldn't move or didn't respond to anything. She's hanging on for her dear life at the moment. I'm seeing a little improvement in her eyes, but she's still not moving much at all.

I'll keep ya'll posted on how she's doing. The next few days are critical, and I hope she pulls through.

Have a great week everyone!

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Going PALEO

With great excitement, I'm pleased to announce that we (my family) are going PALEO! Its a decision we made as a family, and I'm hoping to see health benefits for all of us. We have done the big shopping trip to Whole Foods and Costco, and I have already cleaned out my pantry. I'm really excited about this, and I hope to keep that excitement--I know there will be frustrating times.

What does that mean for Cookin' for my Captain?

• The majority of my recipes will be Paleo-Diet friendly and I'll mark them as so with [P] in the title. I will still cook for friends, bible study and other events, and I will still possibly post them, even if they aren't Paleo friendly. I will make sure recipes will be clearly marked.
• I will also possibly not post as much as I have (5 days a week), but I will still participate in "Wordless Wednesday" and continue the "Flash-Back-Friday's." If I find a recipe that we love, better believe it will be posted! I will try as often as I can, but thats saying they will all come out right from the beginning. (ha!) So please have some patience and continue to check in!

So, to start out, I have purchased these books:

    

My recipes will be from these, and I will make sure I note which one. I will give full credit where needed! I highly doubt I'll be creating my own recipes any time soon!

So please show your love and support as we transition through this process!

Pork Chops & Potatoes in Mushroom Sauce

PORK CHOPS & POTATOES 

in MUSHROOM SAUCE

1 can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
6 medium red potatoes, sliced
1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
6 boneless pork loin chops

• In a 5-qt slow-cooker, combine the first 7 ingredients. 
• Stir in potatoes and onion. 
• Top with pork chops. 
• Cover and cook on low for 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hours or until meat is tender.